Everyone needs to keep motorcyclists safe

Motorcycle riders are usually focused on safety. These bikers don’t want their current ride to be their last ride. It is imperative that other drivers on the road take steps to keep these bikers safe.

In fact, keeping them safe requires the help of everyone who is driving on the roads around Phoenix. Here are some pointers that everyone can use to improve the safety of motorcycle riders.

Motorcyclists need proper safety gear

It is easy to hop on the motorcycle and just ride. Make sure that you use the right safety gear to protect yourself. While Arizona doesn’t require that adults wear helmets, it is still a good idea for everyone to wear one to lessen the risk of a head injury. Wear appropriate shoes to protect your feet and safety clothing to reduce the risk of road rash. Wearing reflective clothing is also a good idea, especially if you are riding from dusk to dawn.

Follow proper safety rules

There are driving laws for good reason — to keep everyone safe. All drivers must stop at stop signs and obey other traffic signals. Everyone should make sure that they are paying attention to the road, as distractions like cellphones and other passengers can lead to crashes. Nobody should drive after consuming alcohol or drugs, even if they feel like they are able to drive.

Drivers need to remain aware

Many motorcycle accidents involve other vehicles. When this is the case, the motorcyclist can get the raw end of the deal. In two-thirds of accidents where motorcycles and another vehicle collide, the other vehicle failed to yield the right of way to the motorcyclist. This might be because the driver just didn’t pay attention, didn’t respect the motorcyclist or didn’t see the motorcycle due to it being hidden behind obstacles.

Scope of the problem

Motorcyclists are five times more likely than the occupants of other vehicles to suffer injuries in an accident. These injuries can range from road rash to serious spinal cord injuries or brain injuries. Even worse, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in a crash. This would leave a family devastated because of the loss of their loved one.

When a motorcycle rider is injured or killed, there is a chance that a lawsuit will follow. This could help to cover some or all of the expenses of the crash.